Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.

This Week: Franklin & Bash‘s “Control”

Tread Perilously enters Ampersand Month: five shows with a stylized “and” in the middle of the title. And it all begins with an episode of Franklin & Bash called “Control.”

When Franklin & Bash are brought in to find a legal remedy for a heckler at a minor league baseball field, they soon discover there is more to this than a bad comedian getting his kicks at a would-be star pitcher. Meanwhile, Damien signs up to be a retiring judge’s partner at a golf tournament in hopes of replacing him on the bench, and Rachel tries a bull semen case for her brother.

Justin declares Franklin & Bash “shockingly not terrible” as Erik attempts to place it in a context of easy TV viewing. Both have a hard time recalling details of the A-plot. Justin evaluates stars Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. A surprise Reed Diamond appears. Heather Locklear proves to be a trooper. The presence of Malcolm McDowell and Buck Henry prove to be both welcome and, unlike the main plot, memorable. Erik recalls his best time at a baseball stadium. Geography Corner centers on the supposed office of Franklin & Bash. The word “loquat” becomes distracting, and the resolution to the A-plot leads to another possible Tread Perilously room character. 

Be sure to subscribe to Tread Perilously on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TreadPerilously)!